An update from the office of U.S. Representative Michael E. Capuano8th Congressional District of Massachusetts

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November 5, 2010

Dear Friends,

The House will return to Washington, D.C. beginning on November 15th for a lame duck session. We still have a number of items remaining on the agenda, including the FY 2011 appropriations bills and extension of the Bush tax cuts.

It is not clear yet what impact the Democratic loss of the majority on Tuesday will have on the substance of the lame duck session. Congress could complete this year’s appropriations process, or pass a continuing resolution into the New Year. The same goes for the Bush era tax cuts  which are set to expire at the end of the year. There are many ways to approach this issue, and the path forward, at least at this writing, is unclear. The Democratic Caucus will also meet to choose leaders for the new Congress later this month.

I will be in Washington next week to meet with Rep. Greg Walden, the Republican who is heading the transition to the majority for the GOP. You may recall that I led the transition for Democrats in 2006. Mr. Walden reached out to me for my input, and I am happy to share my recent experiences handling a transition with him. Despite my disappointment over Tuesday’s losses, I think it’s important that we have a smooth transition, and I will do what I can to help make that happen.

In the weeks and months ahead, I know that I will have much to report to you. It will no doubt be more difficult to advance the issues that I believe are most important to my district, but that doesn’t mean I will stop fighting to make progress for the 8th District, and for the Commonwealth.

I thank you for subscribing, and for all the input I have received from you over the years.